Rarely do I hear of bands whose two members are a couple. John Dragonetti and Blake Hazard prove they know how to make a successful record as well as a relationship.
April 5 was the release date of the duo’s latest album Love Notes/Letter Bombs. They produced 10 new tracks totaling to approximately 40 minutes of indie pop. Written from the heart, their music has a history of being fueled by the relationship they share. These two musicians display experienced talent as they present this third release to the public (available through iTunes and Amazon.com).
Often associated with the genre Indie Pop, the first track “Shoelaces” exceeds my expectations. Full of energy, I would not have expected this from a two-member band. Dragonetti and Hazard’s solos give the song’s opening room to contrast with the commencing sequences of synchronized vocals that explode into a faster pace. It also incorporates seemingly random beeps on top of the catchy melody- such components make The Submarines who they are.
Rather than falling in with the norm, this pair knows just how to attract listeners while remaining unpredictable. In addition to a surprise of tones, the lyrics are equally captivating. The Submarines create clever images that represent emotions surrounding love that most can relate to.
A portion of the chorus says, “You try your luck in your best suit tried to a broken parachute, it’s the hole in my heart you fell through.” Though I don’t quite understand what they might have meant by this, I grasp a theme of confusion that is associated with love and relationships. The idea of a hole in a heart is easily relatable for anyone who has ever felt something for someone else. Similarly, the notion of a parachute immediately gave me the impression of chance and taking risks, which is also connected to this overall topic. “Shoelaces” is filled with abstractions like this that direct the listener to a concept about love but leave room for personal interpretation as well.
This album definitely falls into the category of easy and upbeat listening, largely because of Hazard’s singing abilities. Her voice is enchanting and no matter what the lyrics are, the style in which she sings makes the track exude a uplifting tone.
Their style reminds me of a groovier version of The Shins. The fifth track “Birds” is heavily reliant upon guitar chords as it holds to a steady beat with a plucking possibly and chirping reminiscent of birds and nature. The tempo of these songs fit with the lyrics perfectly. The rhythm helps deliver the message from this happy couple who has experienced the ups and downs of love.
Because Hazard and Dragonetti have their own relationship as couple and as band members to reflect upon, their album is filled with emotion left for the listeners interpretation. The title Love Notes/Letter Bombs is itself a philosophical contrast that seems to sum up relationships in general.
The Submarines have been featured in numerous shows including Nip/Tuck, Gossip Girl, and Weeds, and their fame is obviously escalating as Apple has used “You, Me and the Bourgeoisie” in recent product commercials. Though The Submarines originated in Los Angeles, if you’re a fan anywhere in the nation you can be guaranteed they will be performing within a reasonable distance as their shows span across the country. Until then, you can start building the anticipation by listening to my favorite track, “The Sun Shines at Night.” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us6H9KfoB4A).
